Police on the island of Grand Bahama have said they are investigating the deaths of two American tourists who apparently drowned while visiting a private island destination owned by Carnival Cruise Line.
Having long entertained guests at sea, last month Carnival unveiled its new $600 million vacation spot on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, named Celebration Key.
The resort is exclusive to Carnival guests and features lagoons and beaches where guests can enjoy infinity pools, swim-up bars and other activities, but on August 15, two tourists tragically lost their lives at the vacation destination.
In a statement shared on August 16, police in Grand Bahama announced that two incidents had taken place within hours of each other; one shortly before noon local time, and the second shortly after 2.30pm.
The first incident involved an unresponsive 79-year-old male, who had been brought on board a commercial vessel after reportedly becoming unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach.
Police explained: “A lifeguard assisted him from the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail. As a result, the male who is reported to be an American national was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor.”
Just a couple of hours later, officers were alerted to an unresponsive 74-year-old female who was on board a different boat.
An initial report cited by the authorities stated that the woman became unresponsive while swimming in a pool, adding: “A lifeguard assisted her out of the water, and CPR was administered, but to no avail. As a result, the female who was reported to be an American national was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor.”
In the wake of the incidents, authorities will carry out autopsies to determine the exact cause of death of the two tourists.
A spokesperson for Carnival confirmed the news of the deaths in a statement to UNILAD, adding that the cruise line’s ‘lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents—one in the lagoon and one at the beach’.
“One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation,” the Carnival spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance.”
Carnival promises ‘activities and adventure’ at Celebration Key, describing it as a location where visitors can ‘snorkel, kayak, ride an ATV, swim with dolphins, take guided island tours and more’.
Investigation launched after two tourists fall to their deaths at same hotel just weeks apart
An investigation has been launched after two tourists died in tragic circumstances at a hotel just weeks apart.
Ibiza Rocks hotel has announced it has canceled its upcoming events during the peak of the tourist season, where thousands flock to the popular Spanish island considered the ultimate party destination, in response to the deaths of two of its guests.
At around 12.40am local time on Monday (July 21), Gary Kelly, a 19-year-old professional ice hockey player, died after falling from the third floor of the San Antonio hotel.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Kelly tragically died at the scene. Spain’s civil guard told the BBC that his death appeared to be accidental.
The fatality comes just weeks after a 26-year-old man from Aberdeen, Scotland, also died on the premises.
Evan Thompson is reported to have similarly fallen to his death on July 7.
The hotel has since said in a public statement that it is ‘deeply shocked and devastated’ by the incidents and has decided to halt its scheduled events due to the ‘seriousness of the situation’ and ‘out of respect’ for the grieving family and friends.
“Our priority is to support those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and to fully assist the authorities with their investigations,” Ibiza Rocks continued. “The safety and wellbeing of our guests has, and always will remain, our highest priority.”
“Given the seriousness of the situation and out of respect for those involved, we believe it is right to pause our advertised events programme at this time.”
It is not clear how many events will be canceled, but the hotel said its customers ‘will be informed directly via email.’
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office also said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.”
The news outlet revealed Kelly had played ice hockey for the Scottish team Dundee Stars, who described the teen as a ‘hugely talented and charismatic individual who had a great future ahead of him.’
“We send our thoughts and condolences to Gary’s family, partner, and all his friends at this extremely difficult time,” the club said in a post on Facebook. “Everyone at the club including players, staff, management, and ownership are heartbroken to hear this tragic news.”
“His loss will impact many in the ice hockey community and beyond. He will be sadly missed.”
Thompson’s mom Lel Kellighan also paid tribute to her son, revealing in a social media post that the young man had been on vacation with his buddies.
“I’m absolutely heartbroken to write and tell you all, earlier this week my son Evan was in a tragic accident whilst on holiday with his friends in Ibiza and sadly passed away,” she penned, adding: “We are all absolutely broken.”
The hotel is renowned for pool parties and its on-site music venue and is due to celebrate its 20th birthday this year.
This week, it was expecting an appearance from rapper Dizzee Rascal, Josh Baker and Rudimental, having previously hosted some other familiar Hollywood faces including Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Calvin Harris.
